I am changing my major...

[Alysser]

I am a little disappointed the wildlife bio thing didn't work out. My dad mentioned volunteering at a refuge or something when I am older. He told me not to lose sight of my passion for animals of course, and then added but now you can finance it better Which I guess is true! This is not to say I am going to hate this career, because I don't think that at all. I've always looked for things to keep on the "backburner" per say, and I have always been the nerd who wanted all my x-rays when I was little. The doctors always told me I'd make a good "xray photographer" I think it sounds rewarding, cool, and very hands-on which I LOVE.

THanks for the support guys!! Catnapper, thanks, I will keep that in mind

[pomtzu]

Don't kick yourself because your original plan didn't work out. So many kids start out with one major, and end up switching numerous times before they settle on one. Besides - what's the sense in staying with something that won't get you a job after you've invested all that time and money into getting a degree? Radiology is a wise choice IMO - there will always be a need for people in that field.

My granddaughter is finishing up her sophomore year at MU, and she is still sticking with psychology as her major, and she took on a 2nd one this year - biology. Her boyfriend is a senior at MU majoring in marine biology, so she got interested by being with him. She said he is going to catch the sea creatures, and she will analyze them to see what makes them tick! Seriously tho - she wants to do work with troubled young people, so I guess she will never have to look far for work either.

Good luck Alyssa, with whatever field you choose.

[Miss Z]

I think you made a very brave and mature decision. It can be so difficult to change one's mind, especially something so crucial to your life path as your career. A few years back, I had a few people question my commitment to vetmed - after all, I'd made the decision when I was 3 years of age, which is hardly proof of a rational choice! I stuck to my guns and I believe I was right to do so, but if I had had doubts, I think I would have had difficulty changing my options. After all, for most of my life I hadn't thought about being anything else! I don't think I could have been as brave as you, and then maybe I'd have been worse off for it.

I hope you enjoy radiology! It will be a very exciting and, as you say, stable, career. There are so many amazing developments occurring in the radiology field right now, too, and in your professional career you will witness the fruition of a lot of them. Plus, you can help me out - I stare at images of radiographs for hours and go insane trying to figure out the problems!

[kaycountrygal]

To all of you who are in school and/or planning a career change or have made up your mind: I wish all of you Good Luck! Whatever you choose, I do hope it will be a career or job that you like. I dont think it would be enjoyable to have a job that you disliked. Having a good job or career PLUs making some good money doesnt sound bad at all. As you all said, you can still fit in some animal rescue.

[Alysser]

Thanks guys, I was really wracking my brain over this decision, perhaps more than I should have. I can still incorporate animals in every aspect of my life anyhow! I was researching last night and apparently you can volunteer for the Fish and Wildlife service, doing exactly what I wanted to do. I read somewhere about a girl landing a part-time through that! Maybe I can work two jobs...ahh the possibilities are endless! Who knows what I'm gonna wind up doing...but I will be studying radiology in college.

Zara, you should hire me as your radiologist!! I'll be more experienced with people but who cares?! Imagine you, me and Bri working at the same Vet?

[Roxyluvsme13]

Zara, you should hire me as your radiologist!! I'll be more experienced with people but who cares?! Imagine you, me and Bri working at the same Vet?

Oh, Zara can be the vet, Kaitlyn can be our Vet tech, you can be our radiologist, and I'll be either a second vet or a second vet tech, depending on what I decide to do .

[Karen]

It can all happen in PetTalkville! Remember this old thread? What Would Your Job be in PetTalkville? Sadly, Sammi, who started it, has long gone to the Rainbow Bridge herself, but I am sure she's smiling seeing all the "kids" grow into their jobs down here! As would Phred be, the last post in the thread was his, looking for a "medic" for the town ...

[Miss Z]

Zara, you should hire me as your radiologist!! I'll be more experienced with people but who cares?! Imagine you, me and Bri working at the same Vet?

Oh, Zara can be the vet, Kaitlyn can be our Vet tech, you can be our radiologist, and I'll be either a second vet or a second vet tech, depending on what I decide to do .

Done, and done!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Oh, Zara can be the vet, Kaitlyn can be our Vet tech, you can be our radiologist, and I'll be either a second vet or a second vet tech, depending on what I decide to do .

LOVE IT!!!! This needs to happen!
Alyssa you made an awesome decision! Radiology is sooo cool! Medicine is a constant learning process which I absolutely LOVE, and radiology is such an important aspect of medicine, whether that be veterinary or human medicine! I can't wait to hear more about it, you'll be AWESOME!!

[wolf_Q]

Man I've never hit 30k once and I've been at my job for 10 years I'd be stoked to make 31k - I need to find a new job. I used to think I wanted to be a wolf biologist, also a vet or vet tech (though it sounds like at least around here I actually make more as a groomer than most vet techs). I wish I was more practical and actually found a job that paid well, I graduated college with a photography degree that I've done nothing with....yeah, I'm kinda on the wrong track, but I do like grooming most of the time so it's hard for me to change jobs. Sounds like you're on a good track, best of luck to you.

[dab_20]

Radiologist Technician would be a good way to go. Most medical careers are pretty saturated unless you go for a master's degree. I wanted to be a vet tech but changed for the simple reason of HORRIBLE pay! (At least in Utah) Nursing is also saturated but if you get lots of patient experience and you have connections you can find a good job after. I'm pretty sure after I've worked as a nurse for a couple years I'm going back for my masters or doctorate.

My dad did radiology technology for many years and now does it as a second job. (he now has a masters in healthcare administration) Don't be surprised if you start off making 30,000 (less or more, depending on location) a year doing this. It doesn't make a ton of money but the nice thing is eventually you do. My dad has done it for about 15 years and makes about $35 an hour at his job. Not bad! It's also an interesting career and the schooling doesn't take all that long.
I would recommend you start off now and get some patient experience. One great way to go is get your CNA and start off there. Work as a CNA for a year and if you don't like it you can get other technician jobs that just require on the job trainings and certifications (patient technicians at hospitals, dialysis technicians, etc).

I figure you can still have a career doing something else and work with animals on the side, whether its fostering or volunteering, there is so many options

Good luck, Alyssa!

[Cataholic]

Often times, I hear young folks talking how you are talking. I can only share MY experience with you, and it is in very general terms:

1. The older you get, the more life gets in the way, and your academic goals/dreams/opportunities usually vaporize without great commitment on your part. Throw in bills, a child, a mate, whatever...and it is H.A.R.D. to further your education.

2. The more specialized, and less 'generic' your education, the less opportunity you have. Sure, there are exceptions, but I am talking in generalities here. A 2 year radiology degree is limiting. A four year biology degree is less limiting.

3. Two years rarely beats 4 years (or more) in the educational arena. See number 1 for the "then I will go back and get my BA".

4. Four years in something IS usually better than 2 years in anything. Again, generally.

5. When *I* hear, "I am thinking of switching my 4 year degree to a 2 year degree", I think: excuses, lack of support, fear, anxiety, lack of commitment, lack of drive.

I don't know you IRL, I have nothing to gain or lose by your life choices, but I can't stand to see ANYONE, let alone a young lady (call me sexist if you will) quit on herself, and that is what I see you doing.

I had one choice after high school- pick a four year college, and get to it. College (which meant a four year degree from an accredited school) was never, ever a choice. I have seven siblings, and a step brother and a step sister. Each of us has a four year degree, if not more, and each of us had/had the ability to support ourselves. That is worth a billion, right there.

Yeah, all these people will say they know so and so, and this has happened to so and so without a degree, and they can live on $25,000, and money isn't important, and they will do it later, and they don't have any idea on what they want to do, college isn't for everyone (what, some people don't deserve it?) and blah, blah,blah. Some of these people will call you a friend. I know, from where I am today, looking at my friends and acquaintances, hands down- the regret is ONLY there with the people that did NOT go to a 4 year college. I can't think of a single one of my friends that is glad they got a 2 year degree, over a four year degree, and doesn't spend time wishing they had done THEN what they could be doing now.

Believe in yourself enough to give yourself the very best you can give yourself. A four year degree in something, with some decent long term prognosis, with good projections for the future, and with some reasonable ability to support yourself.

Stay with your four year program. IF after that, you want to pursue something in the two year field do it. We can call it your master's. LOL.